The programme was launched on 12 March 2013 in Bucharest, Romania. In addition to officials from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest and Innovation Norway, the programme operator, more than 400 representatives of Romania-based companies were present at the event.
Speaking at the launch, Øystein Hovdkinn, the Norwegian Ambassador to Romania, stressed the need for good and effective projects that can help achieve a clean environment, energy independence and an improved quality of life.
Cooperation for innovation
The programme has been developed in consultation with the Romanian Ministry of European Funds and the Ministry of Economy, represented at the launch event by State Secretary Adrian Ciocănea. It aims to increase the competitiveness of green enterprises, including the greening of existing industries, green innovation and green entrepreneurship.
Under the Norway Grants 2009-2014, €98.8 million has been allocated to support green industry innovation.
In Romania, €19.4 million will be made available through the main open call with project support ranging from €200 000 to €1.5 million. A further €2 million will be made available through a small grant scheme with project support of between €50 000 and €200 000.
All calls for proposals are published in the open calls calendar.
Supported activities are development, implementation, investment and training activities related to environmentally friendly technologies, innovative green products and services, reduction and re-use of waste, initiatives related to energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy in business operations, as well as improved resource efficiency through system and process innovation in business operations.
Private sector enterprises registered in Romania are eligible as project applicants, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) engaged in activities related to business development in less privileged areas in Romania are eligible to apply under the small grant scheme.
Fostering green partnerships
Small and medium-sized enterprises from Romania and Norway will benefit from the cooperation through exchange of expertise and knowledge and innovation development. Partnerships between Romanian and Norwegian entities are strongly encouraged. A bilateral fund with a budget of €215 000 is to facilitate the establishment of project partnerships. Potential Norwegian partners can be private businesses, research institutions, non-governmental organisations or Norwegian public entities.
Find out more about the programme on the Grants’ website and the programme’s website.
Read about the Grants’ role in supporting green industry innovation.